Preparation for your trip to Ecuador

These are the most relevant inoculations but you might like to get tetanus and polio boosters as well (these remain effective for about 10 years). Yellow fever vaccinations are only required if you are coming from an area where it is prevalent. Rabies is useful if you are planning walks in the Andes (around the Cusin area for those doing the extension). Do not touch dogs for obvious reasons! There have been recent cases of diphtheria, so check you were vaccinated as a youth. Pregnant women should seek advice before having inoculations.

The World Health Organization recommends malaria prophylaxis in areas below 6560ft/2000m. Quito is at 9300ft/2837m and along with the rest of your highland visits (where you will be during your entire time on mainland Ecuador), you will have no risk of malaria. There is no malaria in the Galapagos.

In the highlands, including Quito, the altitude is such that it is advisable to take it easy for the first day or two. You may feel “breathless” with slight exertion and we recommend you avoid smoking and alcohol. Eat light foods to start with as you might suffer some digestive problems due to the altitude, as well as slight dizziness and headache. Please consult your doctor and ask us if in doubt about your own abilities at this altitude. An aspirin usually helps especially at night.

As with every trip you take abroad, general good health is required. In Galapagos the walks are not too strenuous and you will be given a good description of all activities the day before in order to decide whether or not it is for you. Some walks can be rocky, wet, involve short climbs up steps, etc. The walks are not meant to be energetic but are more oriented on stopping and observing wildlife. They are typically a mile long. In most cases, you will have an easier option for any particularly strenuous activities. Though we try to avoid the hottest time of the day, you will be walking in hot weather with little or no shade.

If you are under medication be sure to bring enough of it for the length of your trip. On flights, always carry these medicines in your hand luggage. This also applies to glasses or contact lenses. If you should become ill during your visit, a representative from GE will always be available to assist you with doctors, hospitals, etc. Medical assistance abroad usually has to be paid for there and then and is reimbursed by your travel and/or health insurance upon your return home. Please advise us if you have any medical condition that may require attention so we can be prepared should an emergency arise.

A change in country and diet often results in stomach disorders, usually lasting a couple of days. There is little you can do to prevent this except only drinking bottled water, avoiding salads and unpeeled fruit. Should you become affected, it is essential to take plenty of fluids. Weak tea without milk seems to be the best way. Some travel doctors suggest that a one-shot dose of the antibiotic Ciproxin works wonders (plus a 5 day course for severe cases). Consult your physician.

Seasickness is a possibility on the Galapagos cruise although we do most of our navigation at night and any daytime traveling is usually calm at this time of the year. Over-the-counter remedies like Dramamine are effective (if you take them before the symptoms occur). Note the warnings with these for asthmatics and drowsiness is a side effect. Some people swear by acupuncture ‘sea-bands’ which have no side effects. In the USA, transderm scoop patches are another option (not available in the UK). Our advice is to lie down when seasickness begins to set in. Close your eyes, do not read, and do not concentrate. The rocking usually puts you to sleep. The importance of lying down lies in resting the vestibular system in the ear, which is confused in its quest to control your balance, seasickness being the result of this confusion.

General
LONELY PLANET: ECUADOR GALAPAGOS Rachowieki pbk. The best way to use this guidebook is any way you choose.

GALAPAGOS: A NATURAL HISTORY JJackson pbk.  A revised & expanded edition of this excellent introduction to the flora & fauna of the islands. Colour & b/w photos, maps, 316pp

COLLINS SAFARI GUIDES: WILDLIFE OF THE GALAPAGOS Fitter/Fitter/Hosking pbk. Photos & descriptions of over 200spp of reptiles, plants, birds, invertebrates & marine life you are likely to encounter on these remote islands. Information on the history, climate, volcanism & conservation. Colour photographs, 160pp

FLOWERING PLANTS OF THE GALAPAGOS Mcmullen pbk. Identifies 436 flowering plants including endemic, native and exotic introduced plants. Covers range, island habitat, and description with scientific, common and family names. 383 colour photographs, 41 illustrations, 370pp.

ECUADOR AND ITS GALAPAGOS ISLANDS: THE ECOTRAVELLERS’ WILDLIFE GUIDE Pearson/Beletsky pbk. Information to enable identification of over 500 of Ecuador’s most common insects, amphibians, reptiles, birds & mammals. Details of parks & reserves. Colour illustrations, 485pp

GALAPAGOS DIARY Heinzel/Hall pbk
First section is a tour around each of the islands describing in words, illustrations & photos the habitats and wildlife, highlighting some of the strange breeding strategies of the archipelago’s birds. Second section is a detailed ‘field guide’ with sketches, photographs & maps. 272pp.

A GUIDE TO THE BIRDS, MAMMALS AND REPTILES OF THE GALAPAGOS ISLANDS Swash/Still pbk. Much has been written about these unique islands over the years, but this is the first guide to cover all the birds, mammals & reptiles in a single, pocket-sized book. It is the only guide that the visitor will need to identify all the higher vertebrates of the islands. 42 colour plates, maps, 168pp.

GALAPAGOS ISLAND MAP Scale 1:500,000. All the islands, locations of birds & animals, visitor information.

REEF FISH IDENTIFICATION. Paul Humann pbk. Extra book available locally in Quito or Galapagos: Essential for snorkellers!